In 1994, Thomas Ruf started a record label for his rising Blues hero, Luther Allison. In the first 12 years, Ruf produced 120 releases, sold 1.2 million records, and received two Grammy nominations and ten Blues Music Award nominations. Ruf Records describes itself as “Where Blues Crosses Over” because its artists cross over geographically and in their Blues stylings. Ruf believes the more variations of Blues its offers, the more new Blues fans it develops. Ruf Records shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to its stable of artists that include Walter Trout, Sue Foley, Bernard Allison, Candye Kane, Bob Brozman, and Omar & The Howlers, 2007 will see new releases from newly-signed artists like Blues veteran Jeff Healey, Corey Stevens and newcomer Roxanne Potvin.
